Therapy in Tustin, CA | Counselor Dama Perez

I provide emotionally focused, culturally rooted therapy in Tustin, CA for first-generation Latinas and multicultural couples who feel emotionally distant but still deeply committed to one another. My work supports individuals and partners navigating attachment wounds, generational pressure, unspoken resentment, and the fear of repeating painful family patterns. In Tustin, where tradition and growth coexist side by side, I offer a space where you can explore your emotional truth without minimizing your cultural identity.


For years, I’ve worked with clients across Orange County, including those living near Old Town Tustin, The District, and neighborhoods along Red Hill Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. Tustin carries a unique blend of history and expansion. You may move between older family-centered communities and newer professional spaces near Tustin Legacy, balancing independence with deeply rooted family expectations. That tension between honoring where you come from and creating something different in your relationship can quietly shape how you communicate and connect.


Individuals and couples in Tustin often reach out when conversations feel reactive or when emotional closeness feels inconsistent despite love being present. They are not looking for quick fixes. They want to understand why certain triggers feel so intense and how cultural loyalty, grief, and attachment history influence their patterns. They choose this work because it creates emotional safety without dismissing identity, helping love feel steady rather than strained.

How it works

Step 1

A thorough intake session where we explore your relationship history, cultural backgrounds, and current struggles so we can understand the deeper patterns behind the disconnection.

Step 2

Emotionally focused sessions to help you with clarity, begin repairing trust, and rebuild emotional safety.

Step 3

Ongoing, guided sessions with personalized homework, where we break unhelpful cycles, strengthen connection, and practice healthier ways of relating so your relationship feels more like a true partnership.

Explore my therapy services and specializations

Couples Therapy

Couples Therapy is for partners in Tustin, CA who feel like they are living parallel lives. You manage responsibilities, careers, and family well, yet emotional closeness feels harder to reach. Conversations turn tense quickly or get avoided to keep the peace. If you are looking for couples therapy near you because you want more than surface-level communication, this space allows you to slow down and reconnect in a grounded way.



Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Tustin, CA who feel like they are holding everything together while quietly unraveling inside. You may be dependable at work, present in your relationships, and constantly showing up for others, yet feel anxious, resentful, or unsure how to ask for what you need. If you are searching for individual therapy near you because you are tired of shrinking to maintain peace, this space allows you to slow down and reconnect with your voice.



Anxiety Therapy

Anxiety Therapy is for first-generation Latinas and professionals of color in Tustin, CA who feel responsible for everything yet rarely feel calm. You may be managing work, family, and cultural expectations while your mind constantly scans for what could go wrong. If you are searching for anxiety therapy near you because you are tired of living in quiet tension, this space allows you to slow down and understand the deeper roots of your anxiety.



Premarital Counseling

Premarital Counseling is for engaged and seriously dating couples in Tustin, CA who want to step into marriage with clarity and emotional alignment. You may feel confident in your connection and still notice tension around communication, boundaries, or family expectations. If you are searching for premarital counseling near you because you want to build something steady before saying yes to forever, this space offers intentional preparation rooted in emotional safety.



Grief Counseling

Grief Therapy is for individuals in Tustin, CA who feel like they are functioning but not fully living after a loss. You may be grieving a loved one, a relationship, or a chapter of your life that ended unexpectedly. If you are searching for grief therapy near you because the sadness feels stuck, this space helps you process safely.



Immigration evaluations

Immigration Evaluations support individuals in Tustin, CA who need psychological documentation for immigration petitions. Whether connected to asylum, VAWA, hardship, or U visa cases, these evaluations require both precision and sensitivity. If you are searching for immigration evaluations near you, this process prioritizes clarity and professionalism.


Evaluations take place in person in Irvine or virtually across California, with comprehensive written reports prepared to meet legal standards.

I serve first-generation women of color in Tustin, CA

I provide therapy services to individuals and couples in Tustin and surrounding Orange County communities, supporting first-generation Latinas, professionals of color, and multicultural families navigating attachment wounds, anxiety, grief, relational conflict, and generational expectations. My office, located at 4 Venture Suite 355, Irvine, CA 92618, is approximately a 15-minute drive from central Tustin, and I also offer virtual sessions throughout California for added flexibility. I have served Orange County for several years, working with career-focused professionals and family-oriented households who often balance high responsibility with emotional strain beneath the surface.


My approach is emotionally-focused, culturally-responsive, and grounded in attachment-based therapy. In a community known for its blend of historic neighborhoods, growing professional families, and proximity to The District at Tustin Legacy, many residents prioritize stability, growth, and long-term planning. I remain committed to offering care that prioritizes emotional safety and sustainable healing rather than surface-level coping. I serve clients throughout Tustin as well as nearby areas including Irvine, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, and Orange, providing a steady and culturally-aware space for local residents seeking deeper emotional clarity and relational wellbeing.

Testimonials

Dama's approach to therapy is marked by empathy, insight, and a profound commitment to fostering positive change. I can confidently attest to her exceptional skills and unwavering dedication to the well-being of her clients.

Depression/Anxiety ~ Hyland & Associates

Dama is a colleague & a professional that truly cares about her clients & their therapeutic journey. She is highly skilled in Emotionally Focused Therapy helping individuals & couples navigate & strengthen their emotional connections within relationships.

Jan Covyeau

As a former US military officer, I can see Dama being a great therapist for active-duty members, families, and veterans. I confidently recommend clients to Dama because she cares and has clients' best interests in mind.

Angela Chwe

I'm Dama Perez, founder of Casa Therapy offering therapy in Tustin, CA

I help first-generation women of color who feel emotionally too much or not enough create space for self-understanding and connection. From Old Town to Tustin Ranch, my virtual therapy offers a gentle place to explore your story and rebuild emotional trust.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I use insurance for therapy?

     I am currently an out-of-network provider. However, I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Many PPO plans offer partial reimbursement checks with your provider to confirm your benefits.

  • Do you offer a sliding scale?

    Yes! I offer two sliding scale spots for clients with financial need. If cost is a concern, please reach out. I'm happy to discuss options during your consultation.

  • What does the therapy process look like?

    We start with an intake session to explore your relationship history, communication patterns, and goals. From there, we’ll meet regularly to uncover deeper emotional patterns, build new tools for connection, and work toward the relationship you want to create. Therapy is always tailored to your unique story and pace.

  • What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

    Life happens! I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or reschedules. Sessions canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee. No-shows or missed appointments without prior notice will be charged the full session rate, as that time is reserved specifically for you.

  • How does virtual therapy work?

    Sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You’ll receive a private link before each session. All you need is a quiet and confidential space, a reliable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

  • What if I don’t feel like we’re a good fit?

    It’s completely normal to wonder if therapy is the right match for you. Building trust and feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for meaningful growth. If at any point you feel unsure about our connection or approach, please let me know. We can talk openly about it and decide together whether to adjust our work or explore other options. Your comfort and progress are my top priorities, and I’m here to support you every step of the way whether that means continuing together or helping you find the best path forward.

  • Good Faith Estimate (No Surprises Act)

    This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of services that are reasonably expected for the expected services to address your mental health care needs. The estimate is based on the information known to us when we did the estimate. 


    The Good Faith Estimate does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. You could be charged more if complications or special circumstances occur. If this happens, federal law allows you to dispute (appeal) the bill. 


    If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.


    You may contact the contact listed above if billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can request an update to the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available. 


    You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. 


    There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount. 


    To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to:  www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059.


    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call CMS at 1-800-985-3059 .


    This Good Faith Estimate is not a contract. It does not obligate you to accept the services listed above.